Ferdinand Musimenta Kasheeka, the new Executive Committee President of the Ntare Lions League, has promised to steer the league toward its ambitious goals while upholding the foundation laid by his predecessors.
Kasheeka was elected during the league’s Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, December 7, replacing Aaron Arorinza. His tenure will run from 2024 to 2026.
In an exclusive interview with NBS Sport, Kasheeka outlined his vision, emphasizing continuity and the fulfillment of the league’s five-year strategic plan.
“The Ntare Lions League is a machine already working. We already have a five-year strategic plan. I’ll follow the plan that has already been discussed extensively by our council, our patron, and our team captains,” he stated.
The Ntare Lions League unites alumni of Ntare School, a prestigious institution founded in 1956. The league, established in 2014, is now in its 15th season and comprises 22 teams.
It brings together a vibrant mix of alumni, ranging from recent high school graduates to seasoned professionals, and aims at fostering camaraderie, networking, and competition.
Kasheeka will be leading alongside a new Executive Committee, which includes General Secretary Brighton Abaho, Treasurer Mark Jim Azoire, Corporate Affairs head Tumukunzire, Facilities Manager Birungi Abbot, and Ex-Officio Aaron Arorinza.
According to Kasheeka, his top priority will be delivering a permanent home for the league.
This year’s finale was hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, while the 2025 finale will take place in Fort Portal City at the invitation of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru of the Toro Kingdom.
Kasheeka aims to hold the 2026 finale at the league’s new venue, currently under development.
“My plan is to have the Ntare Lions League finale held at our new home in my final year as president in 2026,” Kasheeka revealed.
He announced that land has already been acquired between Kira and Kasangati, with construction set to begin soon.
“The project will be all-inclusive, featuring sports facilities, a pavilion, accommodation, a gym, steam and sauna. I call upon members to invest in this project,” he appealed.
Kasheeka’s second goal focuses on nurturing the league’s diverse membership.
“I want to nurture the young ones, listen to those in the middle, and have the elders impact the younger ones into becoming better and responsible citizens,” he shared.
The league’s mission extends beyond sports, promoting mentorship and networking among members.
The new president emphasized intentionality in fostering brotherhood and creating a supportive community.
Kasheeka revealed that his third priority will be ensuring smooth leadership transitions within the league.
“I want to ensure there’s continuity in grooming leaders. We shouldn’t struggle to get our next president,” he said.
To achieve this, Kasheeka plans to establish sub-committees under the league’s five existing arms, grooming leaders who will seamlessly take over when the time comes.
“All these have been works already in progress, and my aim is to continue them. I’m not bringing anything extremely new. We already have a five-year strategic plan that I will follow.”
Kasheeka now becomes the sixth president of the league. He expressed his gratitude in being elected to the position, and hoped to perform to the level of his predecessors.
“I’m honored to be elected the new president of the Ntare Lions League. It’s a huge community with a significant impact, and I hope to perform to the level of my predecessors.”
Kasheeka brings a wealth of experience to the role. A lawyer by profession with S&L Advocates, he attended Ntare School from 2002 to 2007, where he served as Junior Entertainment Prefect.
He later pursued a law degree at Uganda Christian University (2009–2012) and completed the Law Development Centre program in 2013.
In the Ntare Lions League, he belongs to FC Mugudu, which he captained for five seasons, leading them to their second-season championship.
He has played in every season of the league and served as Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee for two seasons.
Earlier this year, Kasheeka had the honour of escorting the Ntare Lions League Shield to Kigali and presenting it to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, an Ntare alumnus, during the finale, which Nshera won.
The league will be preparing for its last game week of the year on December 15 at Kings Park Arena.
